Method and system for providing online medical records

ABSTRACT

A method for providing a consumer with the ability to access and collect personal health records associated with the consumer in a secure and private manner is provided. The method includes assigning a toll-free phone number individually associated with and dedicated to the consumer for private fax and voice communications from a health care provider, associating access information with the consumer for the consumer to use to access a secure web site, receiving a private fax communication comprising a personal health record associated with the consumer for which the consumer has requested and given permission to the health care provider to send to the toll-free number, converting the private fax communications into an image file format, storing the health record encoded in the image file format, and providing the consumer with secure access to the web site using the access information and providing on the web site an interface to the health records of the consumer for the consumer to access the health record.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the provision of online medicalrecords. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing ameans for consumers to request their medical records from health careproviders, store the medical records, and provide for privatecommunications between the consumers and their health care providers.

Medical and other health information can be particularly sensitivecommunications. Laws such as the HIPPA Privacy Rule restrict, limit, orplace specific conditions on the dissemination of medical records. Lawssuch as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)provide a patient with the right to access to their own medical records.

A health provider, such as a hospital may require a patient to submit totheir own privacy practices as a condition for treatment or admittance.A privacy practice statement of the health provider will likely explainthat the patient the right to inspect and copy their medical records,but there may be significant procedural hurdles to overcome that burdenboth the health provider and the patient. For example, the patient wouldbe required to provide a written request, there may be processing delaysin receiving copies of the medical or health related records, andadditional processing charges resulting from the inconvenience createdfor the health provider to comply with the procedural hurdles that theyput in place to avoid inappropriately disclosing records of theirpatients.

Of course, privacy concerns regarding a patient's medical recordscreates other problems for health care providers. For example, suppose ahealth care provider needs to communicate with a patient over the phoneto check on a patient, request additional information regarding apatient's current condition, to schedule a test, report the results of atest, express the need for a return visit, or for other reasons relatedto providing health care to the patient. The health care provider callsthe patient at home or at work and the patient is not available.Instead, the phone is answered by another person who could be aco-worker or family member. Alternatively, the health care provider isprovided with the opportunity to leave a voicemail message. The healthcare provider must be very cautious to avoid inadvertently disclosingprivate information. Thus, the health care provider may not be able toleave a message with another person or with a voicemail system if doingso would violate the patient's privacy rights or expectations ofprivacy. Even in cases where the health care provider may be legallyauthorized to do so via a previously agreed upon privacy policy, doingso may be against the person's wishes as they did not understand whatthey were consenting to when they consented to the privacy policy or didnot understand their rights under the privacy policy. A message for thepatient may provide other parties with more information then the patientwould want them to know. Even when a health care provider attempts toleave a seemingly innocuous message with a voicemail system or withanother individual, more information may be shared then the patientwants to be shared. For example, a message left with another requestingthat the patient call a particular doctor may be more than what thepatient would want shared with others. For example, suppose it is knownor readily determined that the doctor is an obstetrician and the patientis a woman who does not want her significant other to know she ispregnant yet. Suppose it is known or readily determined that the doctoris an oncologist and the patient does not want their co-workers oremployer to know that the patient has cancer. Mere knowledge of thedoctor's name, in these cases would be sufficient to make an educatedguess about the patient's condition or potential condition. A patientmay consider this a violation of their privacy. Regardless of whether ornot the patient has any legal recourse, this can result in the patientbeing upset and can have a negative impact on the relationship betweenthe patient and their health care provider.

Of course, instead of leaving a message, a health care provider couldsimply call back, but this is inconvenient for the health care provideror their staff and may unduly delay the amount of time before thepatient receives the message. Thus, private and secure communicationswould benefit both the health care provider and the patient. The healthcare provider would not have to worry about disclosing privateinformation to a party who should not have the information. And, thepatient would be more likely to receive the communications sooner andcould take comfort knowing that their privacy was maintained.

Another problem relating to medical records is that where an individualsees multiple health care providers, the inconvenience of requestingmedical records is multiplied. Given the inconvenience and the potentialdelay in obtaining records it is also likely that in such instances theindividual does not actually compile a complete medical history. To theextent the individual has their records, the individual must determine amethod of storing and organizing them.

Yet another problem relating to medical records is that often times theyare most needed at a time when the individual is unable to provide them.For example, in emergency situations it would be desirable forcaregivers to know and understand the individual's medical history.Knowledge of specific allergies may be essential to avoid administrationof medications that would adversely impact the condition of theindividual. Knowledge of pre-existing conditions may be essential tocorrect diagnosis and treatment. What is desired is a way that relevantmedical records could be shared when needed most.

Various attempts have been made to assist consumers with their medicalrecords in different ways. One example of such an attempt is Synchart.Synchart is a web-based service (www.synchart.com) that allows consumersto enter their personal and family health information into a database.Users can enter doctor visits, immunizations, hospital visits,allergies, and other relevant information and generate reports based onthe data entered. As part of the services, consumers receive a CD withtheir medical information data, as well as a wallet card. Becausemedical data is stored on the Synchart web server, user healthinformation is accessible from any Internet-connected computer, whichSynchart claims will allow doctors and other providers to access userinformation if the user gives them account information.

One of the problems with a service such as Synchart is that it requiresusers to enter information about their health histories into a database,a time consuming and cumbersome process which is inconvenient andsometimes difficult. These issues are further magnified if an individualdoes not have a complete understanding of their medical records. Anotherproblem of such a system is that clerical errors by the user can resultin inaccurate information. A further problem is that medical informationis not immediately available if the individual does not immediatelyenter the information. Such a problem is exacerbated by the fact thatoften times when an individual is frequently seeing health careproviders they are ill or injured and it is particularly inconvenient toupdate their medical records. Finally, such a system does not addressissues of obtaining the medical records from the health care provider.

Redi-Records is another example of a system that assists consumers withobtaining access to their medical records. For a fee, Redi-Records willgather all of a subscriber's medical records from different doctors andhospitals. Once the records are gathered, Redi-Records will digitizethem and put them onto two mini-CDs. Users can carry 1 mini-CD in theirwallet and keep one at home. For an additional cost, the company willupdate a user's records every 180 or 90 days. Such a service is marketedwith the promise that having records on a mini-CD will make it easierfor you to receive proper treatment in the event of a medical emergency.One of the problems with such an approach is that the records are notnecessarily current. Another problem with such an approach is that athird party is involved so that complex forms will need to be completedby the consumer and the consumer's providers in order to grant the thirdparty access to the medical records which could cause delay in gatheringinformation. Due to the third party involvement, there is a chain ofhuman handling of the documents that could compromise the privacy of thedocuments. In addition, as the mini-CDs may not be secured or passwordprotected, or the information about how to access them readilyavailable. Where the mini-CDs are not secured or password protected,unauthorized individuals could access a person's medical records.

Another prior art approach is HeartRecord (www.heartcenteronline.com).This services focuses on cardiac patients. Users pay a subscription feeand are able to enter information about their medical history, doctors,and prescriptions into a database that is accessible using the Internetwith a secured password. As a result, important information is availablein the event of a medical emergency or when users visit a doctor.HeartRecord also allows users to upload their EKGs and other vitalimages to their account either from a computer, or by e-mailing, faxingor mailing the image to the company. HeartRecord has several inherentproblems. HeartRecord's system places the onus of entering data anduploading images completely on the user. Another problem with such asservice is that it is limited in scope. A further problem with such assystem is that it does not create a private communications link betweena doctor and patient.

Another prior art approach is demonstrated by Personal MD. This product(www.personalmd.com) uses a fax-based technology to allow users to storerecords that can be accessed via the Internet. Personal MD also offers afeature where users can file the most critical information in a foldermarked “Emergency”, which can be printed out by personnel via fax in theevent of a medical crisis. PersonalMD also offers medication remindersand other calendar features, and the site includes syndicated healthinformation content. One of the problems with this approach is ease ofuse. For example with Personal MD, a non-dedicated number is used thusthe person sending a fax must enter a PIN before sending the fax. Thiscan create an unacceptable inconvenience for a busy doctor's office andcan cause frustration. Moreover, it also creates an additionalopportunity for human error in that use of the wrong pin number maydirect the fax to a wrong destination. Such a system is not focused onproviding a private communications link between a patient and theirhealth care provider.

Another prior art approach is Web MD Health Manager offered by WebMD(www.webmd.com). This system allows users to enter data about theirpersonal health such as health conditions, blood pressure, cholesterollevel and other metrics. This system will then run those numbers againsta database to provide a personal “self-assessment” and provide tips onbetter health. Such a system does not provide for storage of medicalrecords or a private communications links between a health care providerand patient.

Another prior art approach is available from iHealthRecord.org. Thisservice provides an interactive data entry screen that allows users toenter their personal and family health histories. This information canthen be printed out on a wallet card. One of the problems with such anapproach is that it requires users to enter information on their medicalrecords into a database, a time consuming and cumbersome task which canalso result in inaccuracies. In addition, this approach does not providea secure communications link between a health care provider and theirpatient or offer storage and management of personal health and medicalrecords.

Thus, despite the advancements in these areas, problems remain. Inparticular, there is a general lack of recognition of the need toprovide secure and private communications between a health care providerand their patient and to do so in a manner that is convenient to boththe health care provider and the patient. There is also a general lackof recognition of the problems for an individual to exercise theirrights to receive access to their health care records and be able tostore and maintain those records in one secured, password protectedaccount that allows for files to be categorized, annotated, sorted andviewed based on date, type of record, doctor, or user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to improve upon the state of the art.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionto facilitate health care personnel's compliance with HIPAA or otherlegal requirements regarding privacy of medical records.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide meaningful access to health care records by an individualthereby allowing the individual to exercise their legal rights withrespect to controlling access to their medical records.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention isprovide individuals with immediate access to health care records inemergency situations to assist in providing appropriate care.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a convenient and cost effective method for health care providersto comply with laws regarding privacy of health care records.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide a convenient and cost effective method for individuals torequest that their health care providers provide copies of medicalrecords.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a private communications link between health care personnel andtheir patients.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide for placing an individual in control of their medical recordsand allowing them to selectively provide access to others.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to facilitate storing all of an individual or family's medicalrecords and related information in a single location so that health carepersonnel can be given complete medical information/history when neededor analysis can be performed on the medical records.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a means for individuals to create calendars to remind them ofthe need to refill prescriptions.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a means for individuals to create calendars to maintain doctor'sappointments.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide reminder messages regarding the need to refill prescriptions orremember doctor's appointments.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide a method to store, organize, and annotate medical recordsand also to customize the storage by giving the user the ability to namethe folders in which those records are stored.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is togive users the ability to upload images, such as x-rays or scans.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is togive users the ability to forward records via fax to a health careprovider.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is togive users the ability to see if there are any possible interactionsbetween prescription drugs they are taking.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent from the specification andclaims that follow.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for providinga consumer with the ability to access and collect personal healthrecords associated with the consumer in a secure and private manner isprovided. The method includes assigning a toll-free phone numberindividually associated with and dedicated to the consumer for privatefax and voice communications from a health care provider. Next, themethod provides for associating access information with the consumer forthe consumer to use to access a secure web site. The method alsoprovides for receiving a private fax communication comprising a personalhealth record associated with the consumer for which the consumer hasrequested and given permission to the health care provider to send tothe toll-free number, converting the private fax communications into animage file format (such as PDF), and storing the health record encodedin the image file format. The method also provides for providing theconsumer with secure access to the web site using the access informationand providing on the web site an interface to the health records of theconsumer for the consumer to access the health record.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kit is providedfor assisting a customer with exercising rights to medical recordsassociated with the customer, accessing the health records, maintainingthe medical records as private, and providing access to the healthrecords in case of emergency. The kit includes an access card and atleast one document such as a sticker. The access card includes accessinformation associated with the customer to be used to access a secureweb site providing access to health records of the customer to be usedto convey the access information to another in event of a medicalemergency associated with the customer. The document or sticker includesa request to a health care provider to electronically send the medicalrecords to a destination and granting permission by the customer to thehealth care provide to electronically send the medical records to thedestination and wherein the medical records sent to the destination areaccessible on the secure web site.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system forcommunicating personal health records of a consumer is provided. Thesystem includes a consent document, a fax server, and a web server. Theconsent document, preferably a sticker, provides instructions for andgiving permission to a health care provider to fax health records of theconsumer to a dedicated phone number associated with the consumer. Thefax server is for receiving faxes of the health records directed to thededicated phone number. The web server is in operative communicationwith the fax server and adapted to provide a secure web-based interfaceto the health records. The web-based interface provides the ability toupload images through a web browser, allow a user to send faxes tohealth care providers, and perform other functions associated withmanaging their health care records.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a sticker authorizingtransmissions of records to the user account according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a card with medical record accessinformation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are flow diagrams illustrating an enrollment processaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for accessing records according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a screen display of a web site according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is another screen display of a web site according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is diagram illustrating one embodiment of drug interactingreporting and analysis of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides for a convenient method for individualsto collect and store their private medical information and to provideprivate communications between the individual and their health careproviders. One of the ways that the present invention collects andstores private medical information and facilitates privatecommunications is through use of a LIFELINE which is a dedicatedtoll-free number for fax and voice communications. This dedicatedtoll-free number provides direct and private communications between ahealth care provider and their patient so that a health care providercan be assured that they are maintaining patient communications insecret and to avoid violating applicable privacy laws or patientexpectations regarding privacy.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system 100 of thepresent invention. In FIG. 1, a consumer or patient 102 is shown. Ahealth care provider 104 is also shown as well as a fax/voice server106. A web server 108 is operatively connected to the fax/voice server106. The health care provider 104 uses the phone 110 to communicateprivate voicemail messages through a toll-free dedicated phone number tothe fax/voice server 106. In addition, the health care provider faxeshealth or medical records 112 to the fax/voice server 106 using thetoll-free dedicated phone number. The medical record 112 preferably hasa sticker 114 present on the medical record 112. The sticker 114indicates or instructs the health care provider or their staff to faxthe information to the toll-free dedicated phone number. In addition,the sticker 114 provides an indication of clear consent from the patientto the health care provider 104 to the toll-free dedicated phone number.Thus, it becomes a simple process for a consumer or patient 102 toprovide their health care provider 104 with instructions to fax healthrecords, a simple process for the health care provider to obtainpermission to fulfill a request for health care records, and a simpleprocess for the health care provider to do so in a secure and convenientmanner as the fax is going directly to a toll-free dedicated phonenumber associated with the patient.

The web server 108 is operatively connected to the fax/voice server 106such as over a network or otherwise. A patient 102 or their proxy cancommunicate directly with the web server 108 through a computing device109 or the fax/voice server 106 using a phone 117. The patient 102 canuse a LIFELINE card 116 that contains access information to log on tothe web server 108 associated with a web site of the present invention,or as a reminder of their tollfree dedicated phone number which they cancall to access voicemail messages, listen to text-to-speech conversionof emails, or otherwise access information.

The present invention also allows a patient 102 to upload files using acomputing device 109 to the web server 108. In addition, the patient 102can use the computing device 109 to interact with the web server 108 tospecify that a prescription or other personal health record is faxed viathe fax/voice server 106 to a health care provider 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a sticker 114 for a patient to giveto their healthcare provider to request or instruct their health careprovider to fax medical records to the tollfree dedicated phone numberassociated with the patient. Although it is preferred that a sticker 114be used because of the added convenience provided by being able topermanently or semi-permanently attach to a paper medical record, thepresent invention contemplates that other types of documents could beused. The sticker 114 includes the LIFELINE phone number 120 which isthe tollfree dedicated phone number associated with the patient. Notethat there is no pin number required which greatly simplifies theprocess of faxing documents. In addition, the name 122 of the patient isshown. There is also a written request 124 on the sticker 114 thatinstructs the health care provider to fax the records and explicitlygives permission to fax the health care record. The language of thewritten request may vary as necessary to comply with any applicablelaws. It should be appreciated that the sticker 114 provides greatconvenience to both an individual who wants to instruct their healthcare provider to give them access to their medical records as well as tothe health care provider who can now easily provide the individual withaccess to their medical records. The present invention furthercontemplates that medical alert information can also be placed on thesticker 114. The types of medical alert information includes, withoutlimitation, blood type information (i.e. ABO and Rhesus information),allergies to drugs, presence of a pacemaker, diabetes, epilepsy, orother conditions.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate one embodiment of a LIFELINE card 116.The LIFELINE card has a front side 130 and an opposite back side 132.The card 116 includes the name of the individual 122, a URL for a website 136 which stores medical records for the individual. In additionthere is access information 134 such a usemame and password. The card116 also includes the tollfree dedicated phone number 120 associatedwith the individual. On the back side 132 of the card 116 as best shownin FIG. 3B, medical alert information 139 is provided. The medical alertinformation 139 can include allergies which the individual has, medicalconditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, the presence of a pacemaker, orother medical information that may be of great importance in evaluatingor treating the individual in the case of a medical emergency. Themedical alert information can further include blood type information(i.e. ABO and Rhesus information). Also, instructions 138 are providedon the card 116 to indicate how one could access complete medicalrecords or information about the individual.

The present invention contemplates including the sticker 114 (or otherpermission/request document) and the LIFELINE card 116 in a welcome kitwhen an individual or family subscribes or signs-up for the service. Inaddition, from the web site associated with the service, preferablyaddition stickers and/or additional cards can be printed and informationcan be updated as necessary.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a system of the present invention.Preferably such a system is implemented using equipment from PrairieSystems, Inc. of Omaha, Nebr., although the present inventioncontemplates that other vendors may be used. As shown in FIG. 4, thesystem 200 includes a fax/voice server 202. The fax/voice server 202 isaccessible by a fax machine 204 or a phone 208 through using a dedicatedphone number. Preferably, the phone number 206 is toll-free as thisincreases the accessibility and convenience of the system which is veryimportant. However, the phone number could also be a direct dial phonenumber. When the fax/voice server 202 receives a call, determination ismade in step 210 as to whether the call is a voice call or a fax call.Where the call is a voice call, an interactive voice response (IVR)system is used to determine who the caller is, the purpose of the call,or other information, and then stores any voicemail message in voicestorage 212. The system is adapted notify the individual that there is avoicemail message through an email notification in step 214 and/or othertypes of notification in step 216. Other types of notification caninclude, but are not limited to text messages to a cell phone or pager.Thus, a health care provider can call the LIFELINE number 206 and leavea voicemail message for the individual and know that the communicationis a private communication. Thus, the health care provider can leaveprivate and confidential information, such as the results of a test, orthe need to schedule a new appointment, or other information. Theindividual is alerted to the presence of the voicemail message and canthen call-in to the fax/voice server to check messages.

Where documents are faxed, fax images are collected and converted toportable document format (PDF) documents 218. Although, the PDF formatis preferred, the present invention contemplates that other types ofdocument conversions can be done as may be appropriate in a particularimplementation of the present invention. Based on the dedicated phonenumber used to send the documents, the faxed documents are assigned to auser account and stored in step 220. The individual is alerted via emailthat the documents have been sent in step 224. Alternatively, theindividual is alerted via text messaging in step 222 that a fax has beensent.

The web site of the present invention provides a convenient location tocollect and store health care records and provide secure access to therecords. It also provides a convenient way to enroll in a service forproviding online access to health records. FIG. 5A and 5B provides oneembodiment of an enrollment process In FIG. 5A, a user 250 accesses ahome page 252 for a medical records web site. In step 254, adetermination is made as to whether the user 250 is an existing member.If the member is, then in step 256 the user is provided access to theiruser interface as shown in FIG. 6. If not, then in step 258 adetermination is made as to whether the user 250 agrees to terms andconditions of service. If not, then in step 260 the user is thanked fortheir interest but not allowed to continue. The user is also given theoption or encouraged to output the terms and conditions to a printer instep 262 so that they can review them closely and maintain a copy fortheir records if they wish. If in step 260, the user agrees to the termsand conditions of service then in step 264 the system collects userdata. User data 266 can include last name, first name, addressinformation, city, state, zip code, phone number, email/pager/mobiledevice information, emergency contact name, emergency contact phonenumber, primary care physician phone number, insurance information,allergies and medications, and/or other information. If all fields arereceived in step 268, then in step 272 the system assigns a user nameand password. It is to be understood that the user may also request aparticular username and/or set their own password. Where a user selectstheir own password, then in step 270, a determination is made as towhether the password meets security requirements. For example, there maybe a minimum number of characters required, or there must be at leastone numeric character, or other requirements. Where the user is allowedto select their own name, in step 274, a username database is searchedand in step 276 a determination is made as to whether or not the name isavailable. If it is, then in 278 the user is permitted to create apersonal identification number (PIN). In step 280, a rule such as onerequiring a particular number of digits or a particular minimum digitsis applied. In step 282 the PIN is validated and the enrollment processproceeds to billing options in step 284. In FIG. 5B, the user is allowedto choose a plan in step 286. The individual could, for example, choosean individual or family plan from the plan options 288. In step 290, theuser enters credit card information 292 which may include a credit cardnumber, billing address, and CVV number. This information is thensubmitted to a payment processor 294. In step 298, a determination ismade as to whether the credit card information can be authorized forpayment. If not, then the number of retries is determined in step 296and the user is allowed to re-enter their credit card information instep 290. If there have already been two tries to validate credit cardinformation, then in step 300 the individual is told that they can notenroll at this time and should try again later. If payment is authorizedin step 298 then in step 302 a dedicated tollfree phone number isassigned and an IP address associated with the user is registered. Instep 304 a user account is created. In step 306 an email notificationconfirming registration is sent to the user. In step 308 the user canbegin to setup their personal web site such as their database ofdoctors, family members, calendar, and otherwise configure their website.

After registration, the user can access the user interface of the website. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the user interface 256. Theuser 250 can access the homepage 252. In step 400, a determination ismade as to whether the system recognizes the ip address being used bythe user as being associated with the user. If the ip address is notrecognized then extra security measures are taken beginning in step 414.In step 414 a username and a double level of password log-in isrequired. If a valid log-in, then the process proceeds to step 424. Ifnot, then in step 418, the number of invalid log-in attempts or tries ismonitored and if it is three, then in step 420 the account is frozen.Returning to step 400, if the ip address is recognized as beingassociated with the user, then in step 402 a username and a single levelof password log-in is required. In step 412 a determination is made asto whether or not the password is valid. If a valid password, then theprocess proceeds to step 424. If not, then in step 404 a determinationis made as to the number of invalid attempts. After three invalidattempts, in step 406 the account is frozen and in step 408 an email issent to the individual who may, in step 410, implement procedures tochange the password and re-open the account.

Returning to step 424, a determination is made as to whether the accountis associated with an individual or a family. If the account isassociated with a family, then in step 426, the user can select thefamily member and access the family database 428. If, in step 424 theaccount is not a family account, then in step 430 the user can viewtheir mailbox showing new PDF files and voice files. Preferably, thesenew files include date and time stamps so that the user can see when thefiles were received.

In step 432, the user is allowed to annotate the messages to betteridentify the messages in a manner that is convenient for the user. Instep 434, the user can play the voicemail messages. In step 436, theuser can choose to save the messages to voice storage 438 or to send themessage to the trash 440. In step 442, the user can select a doctor toassociate with the voicemail messages. For example, the doctor fromwhich the voicemail or imaged document was received. Preferably thedoctor is within the doctor database 444. If not, then in step 460, theuser can update the doctor database 444 to include the doctor. The usercan then organize the voicemail or document according to the user'spreference into one or more file folders. Examples of file foldersinclude RX 446, XRAYS 448, LABS 450, EXAM NOTES 452, OTHER 454. The usercan make new file folders such as file folder 456 and identify itappropriately. The user interface offers functions 458 such as movementof files between folders, drag and drop, cut and paste, and/or otherfunctions that will assist the user in organizing their records.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a screen display of the presentinvention. In FIG. 7, the screen display 500 includes a menu bar 502along the top with different menu items such as “Home” 504, “My MedicalRecords” 506, “My Calendar” 508, “Manage Prescriptions” 510 and “MyDoctor” 512. The screen display 500 also includes a reminder to theindividual of their LIFELINE toll free dedicated phone number 514. Amessage center 516 includes alerts as to recent faxes, voicemails,doctor appointments, prescription refills, or other related events. Theuser can view the recent faxes 518, and for each fax, can file it usingfax filing options 520 which allow the user to give a document title tothe fax, associate a physician with the fax, file the fax under aparticular account where the account is a family account, and identifythe fax as a prescription, x-ray/image, or lab report.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a screen display according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the screen display 550also includes a files section 552 wherein different folders are shownfor storing and organizing information. This allows a user to storerecords in a manner appropriate for them. In one embodiment, the folderscan include separate folders for lab reports, prescriptions,x-ray/images, dental records, lab reports, prescriptions, and allrecords. As shown in FIG. 8, there is a promotional space 554. Thepresent invention allows for promotional material to be placed in thepromotional space 554 that is of potential interest to the user. Thepromotional information can come from a third party source oradvertiser. In additions, news information may be placed in a newsinformation portion 556 of the web page. The news information caninclude breaking news regarding the medications that the patient is on,health and fitness news, or other news of potential interest orimportance to the user.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of using the health-relatedinformation collected to provide additional benefits to a consumer. Forexample, the present invention allows for a system 600 that includes apersonal health records database 602 and a drug interactions database604 operatively connected to an analysis system 606. The analysis system606 is operatively connected to a drug interaction reporting component608. The personal health records includes information regarding whichprescription drugs are being taken by the user. The drug interactionsdatabase 604 includes information regarding known interactions betweendifferent drugs. The analysis system 606 analyzes the prescription drugstaken by the user to determine if there is any known interaction thatmay be adverse in any way to the user. Based on the results of thisanalysis, the drug interaction reporting component 608 reports theresults to the user, their pharmacist, doctor, or other health careprovider as appropriate. The present invention contemplates that druginteraction reporting can be reported in different ways to differentpeople based on factors such as user preferences regarding the druginteracting reporting, the severity or certainty of a determined adversedrug interaction, or otherwise. The present invention contemplates thatin addition to drug interaction analysis and reporting, other types ofanalysis and reporting can be performed on the personal health records.One of the advantages of the present invention is that it allows for aconvenient method to build and maintain complete and up-to-date healthrecords, thus allowing the personal health records to be analyzed in anynumber of ways.

The present invention provides for numerous other features andadvantages. For example, the web site can provide reminders for doctorappointments, prescription refills, or other events through emailreminders or text messaging reminders. In addition, the web site allowsthe user to select the option of sending information via fax to a careprovider. For example, a user can fax a prescription to their pharmacyof choice. In addition, the user can fax their medical records receivedfrom one health care provider to another health care provider.

The present invention is not to be limited to the specific disclosureprovide herein. The present invention contemplates numerous variationsas may be appropriate in a particular context, environment, orsituation. For example, the present invention contemplates that thehealth care records can be medical records or dental records. Thepresent invention contemplates that the health care records can includerecords for pets as well as humans, and other variations.

1. A method for providing a consumer with the ability to access andcollect personal health records associated with the consumer in a secureand private manner, comprising: assigning a toll-free phone numberindividually associated with and dedicated to the consumer for privatefax and voice communications from a health care provider; associatingaccess information with the consumer for the consumer to use to access asecure web site; receiving a private fax communication comprising apersonal health record associated with the consumer for which theconsumer has requested and given permission to the health care providerto send to the toll-free number; converting the private faxcommunications into an image file format; storing the health recordencoded in the image file format; providing the consumer with secureaccess to the web site using the access information and providing on theweb site an interface to the health records of the consumer for theconsumer to access the health record.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising providing the consumer with a document to provide to thehealth care provider requesting the health care provider to send thehealth records to the toll-free number and granting the health careprovider permission to send the health records to the toll-free number.3. The method of claim 2 wherein the document is a sticker adapted forattachment to the medical records.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising providing the consumer with an emergency access cardcomprising the access information and adapted for use by a third-partyto access the medical record associated with the consumer in event of amedical emergency associated with the consumer.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein the web site interface further provides for organizing andannotating the health records by the consumer into separate file folderswith functionality for the consumer to name the file folders and addfile folders.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the medical record isfrom the set consisting of a patient chart, a birth certificate, avaccination record, a medical history, a lab report, a test result, aprescription, an x-ray result or image, a scan, and an EKG result orimage.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a means ofreceiving voice communications message from the health care provider tothe consumer and maintaining the voice communications message asprivate.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising alerting theconsumer of the voice communications message from the health careprovider and providing the consumer with access information to accessthe voice communications message.
 9. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising alerting the consumer of a fax transmission from the healthcare provider.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the reminder is a textmessage.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the reminder is an email. 12.The method of claim 9 wherein the reminder is a voice message.
 13. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising providing on the web site means tocalendar a prescription refill.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising sending a reminder regarding the prescription refill.
 15. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising providing on the web site means tocalendar an appointment with a health care provider.
 16. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising sending a reminder regarding the appointmentwith the health care provider.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein thereminder is a text message.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein thereminder is an email.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the reminder isa voice message.
 20. The method of claim 1 further comprising receivingpayment from the customer for facilitating access to the health recordsassociated with the customer.
 22. The method of claim 1 wherein the website provides means to facilitate creation of wallet cards containingaccess information and stickers requesting health care providers to faxhealth records to the tollfree phone number.
 23. The method of claim 1wherein the health records include prescriptions for drugs andcomprising analyzing interactions between the drugs and reporting theinteractions.
 24. A kit for assisting a customer with exercising rightsto health records associated with the customer, accessing the healthrecords, maintaining the health records as private, and providing accessto the health records in case of emergency, the kit comprising: anaccess card comprising access information associated with the customerto be used to access a secure web site providing access to healthrecords of the customer to be used to convey the access information toanother in event of a medical emergency associated with the customer; atleast one document comprising a request to a health care provider toelectronically send the health records to a destination and grantingpermission by the customer to the health care provider to electronicallysend the medical records to the destination and wherein the healthrecords sent to the destination are accessible on the secure web site.25. The kit of claim 24 wherein the destination is a toll-free numberfor receiving a fax communication.
 26. The kit of claim 25 wherein thetoll-free number is individually dedicated to the customer.
 27. The kitof claim 26 wherein the at least one document is a sticker adapted forattachment to the health records.
 28. The kit if claim 27 wherein theaccess card is printed with the toll-free number.
 29. A system forcommunicating personal health records of a consumer, comprising: aconsent document providing instructions for and giving permission to ahealth care provider to fax medical records of a patient to a dedicatedphone number associated with the consumer; a fax server for receivingfaxes of the health records directed to the dedicated phone number; aweb server in operative communication with the fax server and adapted toprovide a secure web-based interface to the health records.
 30. Thesystem of claim 29 wherein the consent document is a sticker forattachment to one of the health records.
 31. The system of claim 30wherein the dedicated phone number is a toll free number.
 32. The systemof claim 31 further comprising an access card comprising accessinformation associated with the customer to be used to access the secureweb-based interface to the health records of the customer to be used toconvey the access information to another in event of a medical emergencyassociated with the customer and wherein the access card furthercomprises emergency medical alerts associated with the user.
 34. Thesystem of claim 32 wherein the health records include prescriptions fordrugs and the system further comprising an analysis component adaptedfor accessing the health records and a drug interaction database andperforming a drug interaction analysis for the drugs.